In this new series we explore the books, new and old, that sit on our conference bookshelf.

Wine has been around for thousands of years but now more than ever, wine is popular through out the entire world. Known wine regions such as the United States and Europe are where people generally go to when searching for a great bottle of wine, but now, other countries are producing wines that are gaining major recognition from wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and chefs, even down to the amateur wine drinker. Wines of the Southern Hemisphere: The Complete Guide by known world wine guys Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen have put together a 592-page guide to everything you need to know about wines below the equator.

Argentina, Chile, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and New Zealand are the countries highlighted in this guide accompanied by 3 sections: Major Grape Varieties; Wine Region; and Recipe. Both Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen want you to understand how large the growing new world of southern hemisphere wines really are, by showcasing rich traditions and the great vineyards these countries posses. And, numbers don't lie, with wine sales shooting from 3% in 1990 to 27% in 2009, wines from these regions are really taking the industry by storm. This guide will definitely influence you to expand your palate and start drinking wines from all over the world. To start, stop into Red Rooster for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa or a glass of Malbec from Argentina, and allow yourself to sip and transport to the southern region.